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Somewhere you should go… Poejazzi at the Royal Albert Hall

Whilst I’d like to tell you this is the start of a beautiful friendship between the Albert Hall and Poejazzi (the extra special proponents of loud words accompanied by some pretty out there music), it falls at my door to be the bearer of some sad news.

What this event signifies is the swan-song of a company who have promoted and curated eclectic shows, have received two five-star reviews at Edinburgh Festival, been named Time Out Critic’s Choice several times and included in its list of 101 Things To Do Around London. They have supported acts such as Jamie Woon, Ed Sheeran and Kate Tempest in their early days (so it’s fair to say they know what they are doing), but, in these dark days of austerity, spending cuts, creative ignorance and for reasons beyond me… this is the final hurrah for these spoken word experts.

As final events go, Poejazzi are certainly planning to shake things up; the line-up is spine-tinglingly good and broad reaching. Hosting the event is Anthony Anaxagorou, a spoken word artist and activist performing poems from his critically acclaimed EP I Will Come To You, accompanied by Karim Kamar on piano.

Headlining the night are The Comet is Coming (pictured) – fronted by Mobo winning saxophonist, Shabaka Hutchings. Their music is a mix of punk, jazz and funk (with heart-thumping energy) and for this event they will be featuring Seb Roachford from Mercury-nominated Polar Bear. Also on the roster are The Machines, an electronic group of Goldsmith College fame and Leone Ross, author and Orange Prize Longlist nominee, well-known for her surreal and humorous tales.

If they are going out, they aren’t planning to do it quietly! So this is bound to be a night to remember. (Words: Laura Thornley)

Laura is a writer and journalist working across disciplines. Her background is within the arts, having studied both its history and practice at undergraduate and postgraduate level. If she isn't digesting the latest in visual culture, she can be found indulging her other passion - seeking out the best grub from around the world.